UPCOMING EVENTS

Microsoft is working hand-in-hand with one of the top controller makers in the business.

Scuf Gaming announced today that it has signed a licensing agreement with Microsoft. This will enable the Microsoft company to use Scuf’s patents and other intellectual properties. That’s important because the Xbox One Elite Controller, which goes releases October 27 for $150 (and already proves popular), uses a lot of technology that is similar to the innovations Scuf Gaming made with its devices — like the capability to swap one analog stick for another.

In addition to the licensing agreement, Scuf revealed that it will also have the exclusive rights to build third-party accessories for the Elite controller. This could turn into a large business for Scuf because the controller has already proved popular. The launch-day preorders have sold out on the Microsoft Store, and anyone who buys it today won’t get one until early November.

That kind of demand, combined with the Elite’s button/stick swapping capabilities, means that Scuf could build a nice little industry around supporting players who want the very best customized controller experience.

In a canned statement, Scuf chief executive officer Duncan Ironmonger says that a deal like this was always a part of his plan for the company.

“Since creating a new market space for customizable professional gaming controllers 5 years ago, our vision has always been to see the mass-market benefit from the innovative features and functions we patented,” said Ironmonger. “Over 90 percent of top professional gamers have recognized the competitive edge SCUF provides so we are delighted that Microsoft will now bring that edge to the wider market with its Xbox Elite Wireless Controller.”

We’ll have to wait to see if said “wider market” does really embrace the Elite controller, but the device seems like it has a better chance than any gamepad before it.